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Pikeville College honors Walters’ family legacy

November 04, 2010 10:00 AM

PIKEVILLE, KY

The late Walter P. Walters Sr. believed in the mission of Pikeville College and thought Eastern Kentucky was a better place because of the institution. On Nov. 9, the college, along with daughters Judith Walters Hinkle and Anne Walters Worthington, will dedicate the Walter P. Walters Sr. Room in his memory and honor as a gathering place for the campus, alumni and friends.

“The Walters family has a long and rich history with the college which dates back to our first graduating class,” said President Paul E. Patton. “The restoration project in Wickham Hall was made possible by a gift from Doug and Judith Hinkle and J.W. and Anne Worthington. Their generosity represents the best efforts of our alumni. We would also like to thank alumnus Mike Thompson for his remarkable design work, which has transformed this special place.”

Wickham Hall currently houses the fraternities and sororities, faculty offices and the campus dining facility.

“This dedication ceremony will be the first of many wonderful events held in the Walters Room,” said Patton. “This space will provide an atmosphere where intellectual discourse, collegial rapport and honest debate can occur in a pleasant and comfortable environment.”

Walter P. Walters Sr. attended the Pikeville Collegiate Institute and his mother, Mary Elizabeth Syck Walters, was one of the three members of the first graduating class in 1894. His grandson, Dr. Stephen L. Walters, was a member of the first graduating class of the Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine.

A member of the Pikeville College Board of Trustees, Walters served on the executive committee, was a lifelong fundraiser and named an outstanding alumnus of the college in 1983. In recognition of his contributions, Pikeville College presented Walters with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in 1978.

Walters was founder and president of Walter P. Walters Insurance Agency Inc. for more than 40 years. Known for his generosity, leadership and service to others, Walters gave of his time and talents to Pikeville College, his church, community and to civic organizations.

The campus and community are cordially invited to attend the dedication ceremony for the Walters Room on Tuesday, Nov. 9, at 5:30 p.m. in Wickham Hall, Room 113.

The Pikeville College Alumni Association will also recognize past honorary and distinguished alumni with two new plaques that will be placed outside the Walters Room. For more information, contact the Development office at 606-218-5276.